As the sun descends....

......the colours of the Australasian Harrier are warm and bright as it perches on a fence post with its steely yellow eyes searching for prey over farmland.

Scientific name: Circus approximans
Common name: Australasian Harrier, Harrier Hawk, Swamp Harrier
Maori name: Kahu

These birds are widespread throughout New Zealand, especially in open areas, wetlands, scrublands and farmland. A large hawk, wings are long with broad-fingered tips, held in a shallow 'V', long, banded, slightly rounded tail. Legs and eyes are yellow with junveniles having a darker eye. It is one of the few native species to benefit from the destruction of the native bush and development of agriculture.

Had my eye on this one for a wee while, not to bad for my first ever capture of a hawk.

Great day - be back soon :)